The average monthly wage will exceed CZK 46,000 this year. Which positions will earn well above the average this year and who will fall far short of it?
On 1 January, the minimum wage rose by CZK 1 900 to CZK 20 800, and its growth will affect financial valuations across all sectors. "Minimum wage growth generally affects pay conditions across sectors, especially for low-wage positions. Increases in the minimum wage often push employers to raise wages for other positions as well, particularly to maintain a distance between pay grades. However, this effect is most pronounced in industries with a high proportion of employees earning the minimum wage," She explained Olga Hyklova, owner and CEO of Advantage Consulting.
In the long term, the most lucrative positions in terms of financial compensation are offered by the information technology sector. This is also true for this year. "This year, the best-valued IT workers will include specialists in cyber security or data analysis. Companies are increasingly looking for digitalisation and IT security experts, which increases their value, they will earn on average around CZK 120,000 per month this year," said Olga Hyklová. This is also confirmed by Denisa Janatová, director of smitio, and adds that senior positions are not exempt from salaries well above the 120,000 average. "Practice plays a crucial role in the remuneration of IT specialists. Especially for highly specialised or managerial positions, the salary in international companies is around two hundred thousand crowns. After more than ten years of experience, a product manager earns 205 thousand a month, an IT manager 211 thousand, a software developer 215 thousand. During our survey last year, one of the respondents for the position of UX/UI designer answered that his salary after ten years of experience is 430 thousand per month," she said.
In addition to doctors and top managers, other positions that will fare best in terms of salaries this year include specialists and managers in technical fields such as engineering, electrical engineering and energy. "Highly valued positions include, for example, project managers in engineering, technology development managers or experts in automation and robotics. These professionals earn approximately CZK 90,000 to 120,000 per month in medium and large companies. In addition, we see an ever-increasing demand for specialists in the field of renewable energy sources, where salaries for experienced engineers are around CZK 80,000 to 110,000. In manufacturing companies, the salaries of technical managers and process control specialists are in the range of 100 to 150 thousand," He told Roman Vejražka, managing director of headhunting company Theones.
The average wage this year will be CZK 46 557. According to available statistics, however, roughly two-thirds of all workers will not reach it. The wages of some of them will exceed the minimum wage by only a few thousand. Approximately four percent of employees in the Czech Republic receive the minimum wage, i.e. about 150 000 people. "Professions where earnings are close to the minimum wage are long-term cleaners, security guards and less common occupations such as seamstresses. Cashiers and retail clerks will also be among the lowest paid positions this year, with average wages between 23,000 and 27,000 a month. Employees in junior administrative positions will generally not be paid more than CZK 25,000. In general, wages for craftsmen are rising, with the skilled ones earning up to 80,000 a month, but blue-collar positions in less specialised sectors do not earn even half that, with monthly wages around 27,000," She added Marcela Vyskoková, marketing manager of the Advantage Consulting recruitment agency.
When comparing salaries, you need to keep in mind the location where you work. Wages in the Czech Republic vary significantly by region. "The highest wages are traditionally reported in Prague, Central Bohemia and South Moravia, where the average is 55,000 per month. The Karlovy Vary and Ústí nad Labem regions are among the lowest with an average of CZK 35,000 per month. Ignorance of the differences in wages by region often leads to unrealistic ideas. According to surveys, applicants, especially for junior and unskilled positions, often have higher expectations than the reality of the market. However, in some fields, such as IT or marketing, candidates generally demand appropriate salaries," She described Gabriela Hansliková, Sales Director of Advantage Consulting.
There are also significant differences between the public and private sectors. Whether you work for a domestic or international company is also important. "Foreign companies generally offer higher wages and a broader benefits package, which usually includes bonuses, flexible working hours, above-standard health care, etc. They also invest more in employee training and career development. The private sector offers higher average wages and a greater emphasis on performance and flexibility compared to the public sector. In contrast, working in the public sector may suit some people because of greater stability, fixed working hours or longer holidays." said Marcela Vyskoková.
According to an international survey conducted by Alma Career at the end of last year, 61% of employees in the Czech Republic were looking for more money when they last changed jobs. "The problem is that a lot of employees don't know how to ask for an increase in financial remuneration and instead start looking for a job in another company. Czechs are still learning in this respect. Many people are worried that asking for a pay rise could damage their position in the company. However, more experienced workers can ask for better financial conditions or other benefits," concluded Olga Hyklová.
(za)/ gnews - RoZ
ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTO - pixabay
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